revenue department

The Missouri House has approved legislation barring the state Revenue Department from scanning the personal documents of drivers' license applicants into a state computer system.

The House passed the measure 118-40 on Tuesday. It now returns to the Senate.

The Revenue Department began scanning documents, such as birth certificates and concealed weapons permits, in December. Agency officials say it provides more security to licensing. But Republican lawmakers objected to the procedures and argue it is an invasion of privacy.

Missouri consumers are being offered a temporary break on the state sales tax on energy-efficient appliances.

The Revenue Department says its fifth annual Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday runs through Thursday of this week. The event lifts the 4.2 percent state sales tax on dishwashers, furnaces, air conditioners and other appliances that carry the Energy Star label.

The agency says 11 counties, 51 cities and 18 special taxing districts are also taking part, meaning buyers will be spared the local sales taxes as well.